How to Password Protect a Folder in Windows 10
If you stored files multiple important files and data on your computer and want to secure them, then keep your files or data under a folder and encrypt it with a password. When you password protect a folder computer, you and others whether a known or unknown person would need a password to access the folders. Basically, this is a good measure to protect your folder in Windows.
In this article, we will guide you on “how to password protect a folder in Windows 10.”
Before You Go Ahead:
Password is a security that secures your data from being compromised, but your password also needed protection. And that can only provide by Waredot Antivirus. It protects your system, software, files, folders and etc. and takes action before happening any disaster to your data.
How to Password Protect a Folder in Windows 10
On Windows 10, you can protect a folder without using the software. However, it may possible that you do not able to use this feature on most Windows versions. Use this feature to confirm.
1. First of all, open Windows Explorer and locate the folder you want to password protect, and then right-click on it.
2. Now, click Properties>Advanced.
3. Now, see at the bottom of the Advanced Attributes menu that appears, check the box labeled, “Encrypt contents to secure data.”
4. Click OK and then Apply in order to return to the main windows.
5. Now, on the “Confirm Attributes Changes” windows, you need to select between “Apply changes to this folder only” or “Apply changed to this folder, subfolder, and files.”
6. Select Ok and a notification prompting you to back up your file encryption key will appear.
7. Now, click “Backup Now.” Insert a USB flash drive into your computer, and follow the on-screen instructions to create your encryption certificate and export it to the USB drive.
Alternatively, use Waredot RescueData 21.0 that provides free storage to store your backup data. Additionally, if you ever lost your data from the system, Waredot Rescuedata program can recover your data in just 3-easy steps.
How to Password Protect a Folder using CMD
On Windows, you can also use the CMD to password protect a folder.
1. Search for "Command prompt" in the start menu.
Alternatively, from the Start menu, open the Run dialog box or you can Press the "Window + R" key to open the RUN window.
2. Now, you need to enter the following command in the cmd window: hit enter button on cd c:usersadmindesktopfiles (replace “c:usersadmindesktopfiles” with the path where your files & folder are located).
3. Now use the command attrib +h "Secret files" to complete the process. You need to insert the name of the folder you wish to hide in place of “secret files.”
4. If you wish to see all of your secret files again, simply replace the Attrib +h “Secret Files” command with Attrib -h “Secret Files” command.
Top 10 File and Folder Lock Software for Windows 10
Here is the list of top 10 files and folder lock software for Windows 10.
1. Iobit Protected Folder
Iobit is free and most trusted software to lock your files and folder on Windows 10. Iobit has a simple yet effective interface so that user can easily access it and lock the files and folder easily. Additionally, you can create the password within a minute; it means that it has a less time-consuming process to protect a folder. You just need to drag your file or folder and they will remain protected from the eyes of an outsider. Finally lock your folder.
2. Gilisoft File Lock Pro
Gilisoft File Lock Pro is paid software for password-protecting a folder. Gilisoft File Lock Pro is a well-organized file protection software for you. You can lock files and folders on the internal hard disc, flash drive, USB drive, memory card, and network drive and etc.
This software also offers the security and protection from malicious attacks and privacy leaks with Gilisoft that pertains to military-grade encryption. It notifies you if someone tried to access your files or folder with the wrong password. Gilisoft is a free/paid program but in front of its protection features, the price is negligible. But we recommend you to use its free version first and if you are satisfied with it, you can go ahead.
3. Instant Lock
Instant Lock is another most popular and best password protect folder for Windows 10. This file protection software is compatible with all Windows versions from Windows NT to Windows 10. This software will lock your folder instantly and hide your files and folder as well. It means you’re the only person who can access your files and folder with a password, isn’t great?
If you want to add another layer of security, you can ensure that no one can delete it. Only the person with a password can delete and remove the file lock software. This password-protecting folder is available in the free version.
4. Secret Disk
Secret Disk is most favorite password-protecting software for users. Users like it most because it just not password protect your files and folder; also create some disk space on your Windows PC. It allows you to create multiple disks and set passwords for them. Although the secret drive does not support any data encryption functionality, it is sufficient enough to secure your data security.
5. Folder Guard
Folder Guard is also the best password protection folder for Windows PC. It comes with a free & premium paid version. We recommend you to try its free version and then if you are satisfied with it, you can consider getting its paid version. With this, you can keep your sensitive data stored on USB drives, pen drives, flash drives, and CD/DVDs safe from other’s reach. Additionally, you can use also use it to lock your downloaded software from being accessed by an unauthorized person.
6. Lock and Hide Folder
You can lock as many files and folders as you want with excellent File lock program. Its operation is straightforward, with only a few steps to complete. You just need to select the files you want to keep secure. Drag and drag them into the Hide folder window from your Windows Explorer folder. You can also use the context menu in Windows Explorer for this.
7. Anvi Folder Locker
You can use Anvi Folder Locker to lock your folder with a password. If you use it, you will get the following offers:
Anvi Folder Locker comes with the various customizable features, is completely free of unwanted ads, and also offers modification permissions. Anvi folder locker works well with most Windows versions and you can also lock, hide and put read-only limitations to your files.
8. Easy File Locker
Easy File Locker works like its name. This is completely easy to use and comes with highly effective protection functionality. It will lock the file so that no unwanted person will be able to read, access, delete, modify and or copy files. Easy File Locker uses a password mechanism, and once you set a password, no one can access the application without entering the correct password.
9. Free Hide Folder
When it comes to secure our private pictures, documents, and audios; Free Hide Folder is best application to use. Free Hide Folder allows you to hide or protect your personal data, files with a password. You just need to select the files that you need to hide and then click on the hide option and done.
With this, you can hide multiple folders at once. It’s completely easy to use and no you don’t need to change the file system format.
10. 7 Zip
7-Zip creates a password-protected folder by following the simple procedure. 7- Zip is also freeware which makes it more worthy to choose among others. What is more exciting about this 7-Zip password protect a folder is ZipCrypto encrypted in Zip and 7Z formats that do not let even a hacker touch your data. It’s also backed up with strong AES-256 bit encryption, surely the best method to secure your data. Plus, this software is available in around 87 languages.
Summary
Hey guys! This was the guide about “how to password protect a folder in Windows 10.” Whether you wish to use Windows built-in encrypted or third-party software, we’ve included both. You can take benefit from this article to make the right choice for choosing the right software and to keep your files or folders secure.
Hope you find this article informative and helpful. If you’ve any queries, please let us know in the comment section. We would glad to answer you!
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